Public Unions Played Key Role in Colo. Elections

As part of a well-organized Democratic effort targeting state level contests in 2010, public-sector unions were the top contributors in Colorado to committees that helped elect an extensive number of officials to office.

According to an analysis of campaign data by the Denver Post, the donations from unions — who depend now more than ever on decisions made by lawmakers and other public officials — helped Colorado’s liberal super PACs spend “nearly 150 times more money” than their Republican-affiliated counterparts in the state.

The Post said Wednesday the donations helped Democrats win the governor’s mansion, control of the state Senate, and come within one seat of winning the state House — all in a political year in which Republicans were favored to win the state’s key leadership positions.

According to the newspaper’s analysis, the top three union contributors to the Democratic effort were: the Public Education Committee, funded by the Colorado Education Association, which gave $1.1 million; the Service Employees International Union, which also donated $1.1 million; and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, $784, 886.